We are in the classic springtime melt-freeze cycle with a generally solid snowpack. Today your focus should be on surface instabilities. Be aware of solar heating on Southern and Western exposures and blowing snow in the Apline. Winds are expected to be 10-20mph from the Northeast along ridgetops; just enough wind to keep the surface snow supportable even if temperatures are well above freezing. If winds exceed 20mph today blowing snow along ridgetops will be a clue that windslabs could be forming.
Wet Avalanches:
A firm melt-freeze crust has formed over the last 3 days on Southern and Western aspects. At lower elevations where slopes are protected from the wind expect this crust to break down quicker. Wet loose avalanches will be more of a concern near the bottom of steep terrain features on sunny aspects. If you notice your skis or board punching into wet and heavy snow avoid steep terrain features and terrain traps. Should winds become calm wet loose activity will start around rocks in steep terrain.
Wind slabs:
On shaded aspects up to 10” of snow is available for transport. If winds increase to 30mph be on the lookout for fresh wind slabs forming on leeward features along ridgetops. These windslabs will be small and isolated; unlikely to bury a person, but could cause you to fall if triggered in steep terrain.
A photo of Common Bowl yesterday on Tincan before the surface crust softened. Notice the rollerballs from the previous day just under the corniced ridge. In the foreground the skin track still has light dry powder snow on a slightly shaded Northern aspect.
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